Vancouver native and longtime Cash Cab host Adam Growe talks about life behind the wheel of the popular mobile trivia game.
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Unscripted and completely unpredictable, Cash Cab offers passengers money for answering trivia questions correctly during the time it takes them to go from their pickup spot to their destination. If the cab’s occupants get stumped, they can do a series of “shout-outs.”
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On the eve of the popular show hitting the gas for the new season, Postmedia News asked Growe, a longtime standup comedian and MC, a few questions:
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Q: After years of doing this job, would you say you’re a good bet to dominate at pub trivia?
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A: With the thousands of trivia questions I’ve asked I think, instead, I’ve become a pub trivia night liability. My friends and family think I’m a ringer and expect me to carry the team to a glorious victory. It’s even worse when I can’t recall an answer over beers and fries and it’s a question similar to one I had actually asked on an episode of the show.
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Q: What was the most money you gave away?
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A: The biggest payout on Cash Cab is, so far, $2,400. It’s from one of the earlier seasons where we had the “triple-play” bonus. This was a unique opportunity for my contestants to triple the money they had won if they opted for the video bonus question at the end of their ride. I only gave them this option if they had zero strikes on their ride. At the time I was absolutely pumped that someone had won that much. But I didn’t think that record would hold all these years. At the same time, still to this day, when teams win $800, they’re ecstatic. (And so am I).
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Q: Have you ever had to kick someone out of your cab?
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A: Like most cabbies, there have been a couple of times when people are, let’s say, “too unwell” to be riding in a crowded, brightly lit, moving TV game show. With all of the equipment and other people coming into the Cash Cab, I couldn’t take any chances with people who were even slightly nauseous. They were very understanding and I wouldn’t describe it as “kicking them out.” I gave them a taxi coupon and waited until they got another ride (and some fresh air).
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Q: Have you ever had repeat customers/contestants?
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A: Yes, it has happened a couple of times that I can remember. I’m glad they respond like they’ve just won the lottery a second time instead of “ugh. You again.”
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Q: What never ceases to amaze you about your job?
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A: It’s as much fun to make the show as it looks. There’s never a day when I’m heading down to get behind the wheel of the Cash Cab that I’m not grateful for a job that brings other people (and me) so much joy. The genuine emotions and spontaneous reactions from people riding along with me in the back of the cab are a true delight to watch.
